MARTIN LOVELL explains how to achieve the effects of weathering on our model railway track.
In the first part of this article I pointed out the effects that dirt, oil, coal and age can have on the appearance of track - in this second part we will find out how to achieve these effects on our model railway track.
There are many products available on the market, but for now I will stick with items available from our store (an inveterate salesman! – Ed).
Top - Dry-brushed with Railmatch Sleeper Grime. Bottom - Sleeper Grime with black spray.
For giving a weathered look to railway sleepers, Railmatch produce a paint colour called Sleeper Grime (RM406 or RM2406) which disguises the plastic appearance of model railway sleepers. Humbrol 173 Track Colour (AXA0173) gives the look of the sides of rails that have been in place for some time.
The left half of the track is untouched - the right half has been painted with the Humbrol Track Colour.
A lot of people tend to use Rust colours, but unless they are unused for a long time, rails tend not to be rusty - just grimy from the build up of brake dust, oil, etc. mixed in by rain to produce a general overall colour. You can do this with a quick dust over of earth brown - either in aerosol form, or by using an airbrush.
Don’t forget though to avoid chocking the contacts between point blades and running rails, and give the rail surfaces a good clean to ensure good electrical connection. Contact us on the usual address with your ideas for track weathering! We'll have a look in the future at further ways to detail your track.
Happy modelling
Martin